RESIDENTS in Upperthong are fighting a new housing development which they say would choke the village with cars and put pressure on local services.

Plans have been submitted for 29 new homes on fields off Upperthong Lane.

Holmfirth-based Conroy Brook (Developments) Ltd has plans for a mixed housing development.

The firm wants to build 18 two and three -bedroomed ‘affordable’ homes for rent along with 11 four-bed detached houses for private sale.

Angry residents have formed an action group, Upperthong Needs Development Opposed (UNDO). They meet for a third time today. .

Group treasurer Ray Thompson, 64, of Netherhouses, said the whole village was up in arms.

“No-one wants to see any more houses in the village,” he said.

“This has brought the village together like nothing before and we want this development stopped.”

Mr Thompson, who has lived in the village for 32 years, said access for the new development would be into Holme View Avenue and Pennine Close, where there were no footpaths.

“Our biggest worry is the traffic impact,” he said. “The roads in the village are very narrow and there are few footpaths.

“The application says there are 70 parking spaces so that’s potentially 70 new cars coming into the village.”

Mr Thompson said that the steep roads made commuting by bike impossible and the village was not well served by public transport.

“The bus service down Greenfield Road is permanently under review and there is a minibus service which runs from 9.52am to 4.15pm, which is no good for people going to and from work.”

Mr Thompson said there were also concerns about the impact on a rundown listed building, known locally as Frank’s Farm, where it was believed bats and tawny owls nested.

There were also fears over increased pressure on local schools.

Mr Thompson said he understood other planning applications locally – even for a single house – had been turned down because of traffic concerns.

Objections need to be sent to Kirklees Council before July 4 and at least 80 have been received so far. The site is designated as “provisional open land” under the Local Development Framework.

Building is allowed if community benefit outweighs the needs for the open land.

The developer says that 40 per cent of the site is aimed at local families who can’t get on the housing ladder.

More than 100 people attended the first public meeting and the next will be held tonight at 8pm at Upperthong Village Hall.